Join us on the Backstory Podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Amber McBride, an award-winning author and poet. From her early days of writing poignant poetry in a predominantly white school to her acclaimed novels, Amber shares her experiences of overcoming rejection, embracing her unique voice, and the profound influence of her cultural heritage. Discover how Amber's passion for storytelling and her commitment to authenticity have shaped her career and continue to inspire readers of all ages.

Listen to author Jennifer A. Nielsen share the backstory of an award-winning poet. Featuring sneak peaks at the poet's first writings and most recent writings.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Soman Chainani, the creative mind behind "The School for Good and Evil" series. In this interview, Soman shares his journey from writing bestselling novels to seeing them adapted into a Netflix film. Discover his thoughts on storytelling, the challenges of adapting books for the screen, and the impact of his work on young readers. Soman also discusses the future of literature in the age of AI and offers advice for aspiring writers. Don't miss this engaging discussion with one of today's most innovative authors.

Jennifer Nielsen tells the story of how our author's bestselling novels transitioned from the page to a Netflix film, captivating audiences worldwide. She shares the challenges of adapting his work for the screen.

Join us on the Backstory Podcast as we dive into the world of storytelling with New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner. Discover how Kate's insatiable curiosity fuels her diverse writing career, from picture books to graphic novels. Learn about her journey from teaching middle school to becoming a celebrated author, and how her passion for history and adventure shapes her stories. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a book lover, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Don't miss out on Kate's tales of climbing the Adirondack peaks and her adventures in international school visits. Tune in for a conversation that celebrates the power of stories to connect and inspire. #Storytelling #KateMessner #Podcast

In this episode of the BackStory podcast, Jennifer A. Nielsen shares the story of how Kate rose from an overlooked intern to a trusted news producer, faced rejection head-on, and received advice that would shape her writing career forever: Don’t try to be someone else. Find your own voice.

In this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Nick Brooks, an award-winning author and filmmaker. They discuss Nick's multifaceted career in storytelling across various mediums, including literature, film, and music. Nick shares his early influences, the power of storytelling, and the importance of respecting the narratives he creates. He reflects on impactful experiences with young readers, his creative process, and the challenges he has faced in his career. The conversation also touches on his aspirations in film and the unique ways he combines music with storytelling.

Host Jennifer A. Nielsen tells the back story of an artist, musician, author, and educator, who was once just an child in a low-income school district. But a child of promise.